Czech Republic Bans Alcohol After Poisonings

The Czech Republic initially put a ban on the sale of liquor with more than 20 percent alcohol after a string of methanol-related poisonings caused several people to go blind, 36 to land in critical condition, and killed 19 others. Now the ban extends to all spirits of any proof.

The ban began just before the weekend and includes sales from all types of distributors — stores, kiosks, hotels, the Internet, bars, and restaurants. Health Minister Leos Heger told reporters the ban would continue until authorities have found the source of the poison.

According to the Associated Press, the tainted booze was discovered after a 66-year-old woman was found dead and dozens who consumed vodka and rum laced with menthanol were hospitalized. As a result, thousands of bottles have been confiscated and 22 individuals have been arrested. However the ban remains in effect.

The crisis, considered the worst in decades, has caused neighboring Poland to prohibit sales of booze imported from the Czech Republic for 30 days, reports the Wall Street Journal. Heger appeared on television in the Czech Republic to announce, "No easing of this ban can even be discussed yet, but we hope it won't last for months."

How did the methanol get into the alcohol supply? Bootlegging. According to Businessweek, "The tainted alcohol was contained in bottles under fake labels from at least two Czech liquor makers and the bottles weren't properly sealed." Bootlegging accounts for 10 to 20 percent of alcohol sales on the local market, reports the Wall Street Journal, and methanol is often used as it is difficult to distinguish from drinking alcohol and is a much cheaper substitute.

Do you think the Czech government is doing the right thing by banning the sale of liquor?